mtnash

https://floorplancreator.net I've used both the web and Android versions. Obviously they're not meant for full plans but they're straight forward to use and suit my needs.

I had the cylinder downstairs initially in the "plant room" but, showing my total lack of knowledge here, moved it upstairs as that's where you most often find them. But if it can be downstairs then would make more sense. I really struggled with layouts of both the master ensuite and main bathrooms, clearly not my thing. I can see how the bathroom being over an open space might cause issues too. Maybe a rethink is in order there.

Yes, I know what you mean about the symmetry. I was thinking the same but just couldn't make it work. I was even thinking about some sort of recess (just 30mm or so) where the window would be, almost like the window space had been filled in but you could still see the outline. I'm pretty sure I've seen similar before. Yes, the plot is longer than it is wide and yes, the back garden faces North. As such I guess it is a North facing plot. There is also a couple of large trees at the front of the plot so not a vast amount of light there either. Yes, true, there is quite a bit of space either way so definitely gives options.

To those commenting on the window size, the upstairs windows in this photo are the sort of look/size I was thinking but with a pair in most rooms due to their size. But I hadn't really considered it from an amount of light point of view or increased number of openings to make air tight or where to put furniture internally. All interesting points for consideration. Thanks

That's a really interesting point. I hate it when the door gets left open for whatever reason and I end up paying to heat the street. Will investigate. Thanks.

That was how I originally had it as I too liked the double height area. However, I switched it around as it left the top of the stairs right next to one of the bedroom doors and didn't know if that'd meet building regs considerations (I really don't know). Having switched it round I do kind of like the stairs being accessed more centrally which makes it feel a little more included in the house rather than being quite so separate.

The size/number of windows is an interesting one. The "smaller" windows are still 900mm each and personally thought having a pair of smaller windows each would look nicer but I'll now investigate this a bit more. Was thinking of replicating an older style with narrower, taller windows and the roof ridge running across the house in slate, possibly even with chimneys at either end poorly for aesthetic reasons but I kind of love/hate that idea. Plus the front door would have a mini gable above it (hope that makes sense without the visuals).

A number of people have mentioned the downstairs bedroom/bathroom, which I hadn't considered so food for thought. To be honest, the family space next to the diner would be more of a play room space for the foreseeable future but think it offers the flexibility to reorient furniture in future. Boots, coats, etc. would be kept in the storage to the left of the front door and also under stairs storage.

Thank you all for your thoughts and ideas, it's much appreciated. Really interesting to hear others views. re: orientation - the front of the plot faces primarily South, i.e. the plans are more or less oriented as you'd expect. Personally I'm not too bothered about this as whilst it'd be nice to have the sun at the rear in the winter I'm not convinced I'd want the sun streaming in through all of the glass in the rear in the summer. There's slightly better views to the East than West. Any other input or questions would be greatly received.

Hi All, I'm sure you've seen episodes of Charlie Luxtons TV programme, "Building the dream". There's a part in the show where Charlie sits down with the clients and a pen to look over their plans and make suggestions of ways to improve them. I've created some plans (see attached) for a 4 bed detached new build and am now looking to get the Charlie Luxton treatment to gain some feedback and advice and make any improvements I can. The house is for a family of four on a south facing plot (approx 55m x 22m). Ideally I'd like the house to be as efficient as possible energy wise, i.e. high levels of air tightness and insulation and ASHP, etc. As you may well notice, these plans are not from an architect, they are just my own drawings from an online floorplan tool with a view to taking them to an architect to get proper drawings made. I'm no architect so feel free to make whatever comments you think would help. I've just seen a lot of plans over my time and know what it is we're looking for. Many thanks in advance. I look forward to seeing what you think. Ash

Hi everyone, Another new member here. Only came across these forums the other day but they look great with so much interaction, advice and information. I'm looking to build/have built a new property with no previous experience and have all sorts of questions and thoughts running through my head so no doubt you'll see me posting in various topics. I look forward to hearing from you. Thanks, Ash